G-string

n.

1878, geestring, "loincloth worn by American Indian," originally the string that holds it up, etymology unknown. The spelling with G (1882) is perhaps from influence of violin string tuned to a G (in this sense G string is first recorded 1831), the lowest and heaviest of the violin strings. First used of women's attire 1936, with reference to strip-teasers.

I AM the spirit of the silver "G": I am silvered sadness, I am moonlit gladness, I am that fine madness Of reverence half, and half of ecstasy [from "Spirit of the 'G' String," Alfred L. Donaldson, in "Songs of My Violin," 1901]